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How can I achieve a silky water effect in landscape photography?

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How can I achieve a silky water effect in landscape photography?

Asked on Feb 09, 2026

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To achieve a silky water effect in landscape photography, you'll need to use long exposure techniques to blur the motion of the water, creating a smooth, flowing appearance. This effect is typically accomplished using a combination of slow shutter speeds and neutral density (ND) filters to control the amount of light entering the camera.

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    1. Use a sturdy tripod to stabilize your camera.
    2. Set your camera to manual mode (M) or shutter priority mode (S or Tv).
    3. Select a slow shutter speed (e.g., 1/4 second to several seconds).
    4. Attach an ND filter to reduce light and allow for longer exposures.
    5. Adjust ISO to the lowest setting and aperture to a higher f-stop (e.g., f/11 or f/16) to maintain exposure.
    6. Use a remote shutter release or self-timer to prevent camera shake.
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Additional Comment:

Consider using a polarizing filter to reduce reflections and enhance colors.
Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve the desired level of smoothness.
Check the histogram to ensure proper exposure and avoid blown-out highlights.
Post-process in software like Lightroom or Photoshop to fine-tune contrast and sharpness.

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How can I achieve a silky water effect in landscape photography?

Asked on Feb 09, 2026

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